BRAKES & BRAKE REPAIR

At Lakeside Certified Auto, we want our Willoughby customers to have the opportunity to feel comfortable in their vehicle. You can leave the repairs and services to our professionals, but please don't hesitate to ask us questions about why a service is needed or how it occurred. Give us a call at 440-946-0076, and we will be happy to speak with you. Here is some valuable information on brake issues and corrective services Lakeside Certified Auto offers.

Brake Pad & Shoe ReplacementBrake pad problems can usually be identified by squealing brakes. If your brake pads deteriorate completely, you'll hear a grinding metal-on-metal sound when braking, meaning that it's too late and you're ruining your rotors or drums! Those with knowledge of auto repair may be able to fix this at home, but you should always see an auto repair professional immediately if you have brake problems.

Resurface RotorsIn a disc brake system, rotors are attached to your vehicle's wheels. When the brake pads grip the rotor, they bring both the rotor and wheels to a stop. However, the friction causes grooves and cracks to appear over time. Resurfacing brings the rotor back to a "like-new" condition, reducing squealing and wobbling. Lakeside Certified Auto will give your rotors a thorough inspection and recommend your best course of action.

Caliper ReplacementThe brake caliper houses your brake pads and fits around the rotor like a clamp, pressing the pads against the rotor when you brake. A brake caliper problem could cause uneven braking, making your car slide forward when you brake. Uneven braking can also cause your vehicle to slide out of control in bad weather conditions, so contact Lakeside Certified Auto as soon as possible.

Brake HosesA brake hose is a tube carrying pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes. A crushed hose can cause a lagged or slow brake, and a leak in the hose can cause the brake, or the entire brake system, to fail. These don't need to be replaced often, but should be replaced at the first sign of cracking or wear.

Brake Fluid FlushesBrake fluid will absorb water from the air over time, causing the brake system to become less effective and the fluid to become corrosive, possibly damaging the system. It is important to perform a brake fluid flush regularly to ensure that your vehicle is using fresh fluid. Talk to our technicians at Lakeside Certified Auto about when it's time for a brake fluid flush.

Anti-Lock Brake SystemAnti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) ensure that the wheels don't stop rotating during braking, preventing the car from skidding and offering greater control. If your ABS light comes on, visit Lakeside Certified Auto where we will be happy to diagnose and fix the problem.

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Lakeside Certified Auto

Vehicle tips

According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.

The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)

Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.

Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, or more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.

Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, or more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.

A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.

Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.

ASSOCIATIONS

Testimonials

This is my "go to" place for repairs. I break down in the morning, get towed to their building and left before end of day!-TJ G.

If I could rate them higher, I would! Had my car at Mentor Nissan over 3 days, and they weren't able to find out what was wrong with it (I drive a Nissan Altima). Took my car over to Lakeside, and within 12 hours I knew exactly what was wrong with my car, and it would only cost me a FRACTION of what Mentor Nissan quoted me. Fast, Reliable, Professional, and Very Friendly!-Joe V.

I love this place. Everyone is friendly and professional. Prices are reasonable too.-Donna H.

Fair prices, great mechanics. Been going there for years. Mechanics are friendly and always have time to talk to you about your car.-David M.

I needed a specific repair done that the dealership quoted at $1800. Lakeside originally quoted $1600 but they promised to do some research and came back to me with an $800 quote. They did a good job on the fix and even gave me a car to use- no extra charge- while they worked on my car.-Stephanie O.